You and I

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “Honey, you’re fine,” Eula Mae assured her.

  They arrived at the seafood restaurant twenty-five minutes later.

  “My goodness, Cherise,” Eula Mae said. “You didn’t have to bring me to such a fancy place. You could’ve just taken me to Kentucky Fried Chicken and I would’ve been just as happy.”

  She nodded toward the menu Eula Mae was holding. “Please order whatever you’d like. Just think of it as a fun fancy treat.”

  Eula Mae frowned. “Cherise, honey, I think they gave us the wrong menus. These prices certainly can’t be lunch specials.”

  Cherise bit her lip to keep from smiling. “It’s okay,” she assured her. “Don’t worry about the price—just order whatever you want.”

  Eula Mae peered over at the table next to them. Lowering her voice, she whispered, “You’re very sweet for bringing me here, but I should pitch in. I can’t let you pay this much for a little bit of nothing.”

  Cherise shook her head. “It’s my treat, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

  Eula wasn’t convinced. “You’re sure?”

  Nodding, she added, “Besides, this is my way of thanking you.”

  Clearly confused, Eula Mae asked, “Thanking me for what?”

  “Just for being so warm and friendly toward me,” Cherise said. “I want you to know that I really appreciate that.”

  “Well, that’s because I believe my Stevie’s a very lucky man. He’s found himself a wonderful woman to marry, and I’m so happy for you both.”

  Cherise broke into a smile. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you feel this way about me, Mrs. Stewart. The way Steven talked about you—well, I was a little intimidated.”

  “I’ve always wanted Steven to be happy, that’s all. He’s a very special man, and there are some women out there who would eat him alive.” Eula Mae gave a small laugh. “I guess I’ve been real protective of him, and if I smelled a rat I sure told him so. I think it used to get on Steven’s nerves though, ’cause he soon stopped bringing them around to meet me.”

  “I’m sure he knew you were only looking out for him.”

  “Well, now he has you…” Eula Mae peered closer at Cherise. “I’m sorry for staring at you, but you seem kind of familiar to me.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah,” Eula Mae said. “Maybe we passed one another or something before you left Phoenix, because I’ve been out of the country for a long time.” She seemed to be searching for an elusive memory.

  Cherise took a sip of water. “Well, you know what they say, everybody has a twin running around somewhere.”

  Eula Mae nodded. “I suppose you’re right.”

  The waiter took their orders.

  “Steven tells me you work with kids. How do you like it?”

  “Mrs. Stewart, I love it,” Cherise gushed. “I love those children like my own.”

  “Now, dear, we're almost family,” Eula Mae responded. “You call me Aunt Eula Mae just like Steven does. And I insist.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Cherise was secretly pleased that everything seemed to be going well. Steven’s aunt was a very charming lady.

  While they waited for their food to arrive, Cherise asked questions about Ghana and Africa in general. They didn’t have to wait long.

  When the waiter walked away, Eula Mae rolled her eyes. “That man is getting on my nerve with all his slow moving. Maybe he should just go on and retire. He’s way too old to be working here.”

  Cherise bit back her laughter as she sliced off a piece of fish.

  “At least the food was ready within a reasonable amount of time,” Eula Mae was saying.

  Cherise waited for her to sample her food. “How is it?”

  “It’s good. Mmm, it’s very good.”

  “I’m glad you like it. I hope you’re enjoying yourself.” Cherise had to admit she was having a good time.

  Eula Mae nodded. “I am, dear. I’m really having a good time with you. Next time, though, it’ll be my treat.”

  Cherise wasn’t sure there would be a next time, but she nodded anyway. For now, she was grateful that lunch had gone as well as it had.

  Humming, Cherise sat at her desk finishing up her initial assessment on a new client who had arrived earlier that afternoon.

  Footsteps echoed in the hallway, slowing down near her office.

  Steven stuck his head inside the doorway.

  Cherise leaned back into her chair smiling, then said, “Hey, baby. I wasn’t expecting to see you today.” She never tired of looking at the man she was going to marry.

  “Hello, sweetness,” Steven responded. He walked into the office and sat down in the empty chair facing her. “So how’s your day going?”

  Cherise loved the deep, rich sound of his voice. “It was good before, but much better now that you’re here. Why don’t you ask me what you really want to know?”

  She knew exactly why Steven had come to her office. A tiny part of her felt irritated, but she forced it out of her mind.

  “Okay,” he said, not bothering to try and deny it. “How did lunch go with my aunt?”

  Cherise broke into a smile. “I think it went fine. Babe, your aunt is such a nice lady. I really like her.”

  Steven gave her a knowing grin. “See, I told you that the two of you would get along. And you were so worried about meeting her.”

  She chuckled. “Okay, so you were right. Satisfied?”

  Steven rose to his feet, then moved to shut the door. “Not until you come over here and give me a kiss.”

  Smiling at him, she responded, “Gladly.”

  The phone rang, interrupting them.

  She sighed. “I guess I should get that.”

  “Just let it ring.”

  “You know I can’t do that.”

  Picking up the phone, she stated, “Cherise Ransom speaking.”

  When she finished her call, Cherise pushed out of her chair and walked from around her desk.

  She wrapped her arms around him and said, “Now for that kiss.”

  He kissed her gently on the lips, before saying, “I’d better head back to my office. I didn’t realize it was getting so late. I have a meeting scheduled in an hour.”

  Cherise walked him out, then returned to her office.

  Ransom Winters arrived a few minutes later.

  “Hey, cousin,” she said.

  He smiled. “Thanks for making time to see me, Cherise. This center is nice. I like it.”

  “I’ll give you a tour if you’d like.”

  He nodded.

  Cherise showed him around the facility as they discussed his structured day program.

  “I think what you’re doing here for these girls is incredible,” Ransom told her.

  “Thank you,” she responded. “Now tell me more about what you have in mind.”

  They returned to her office to talk.

  “…Instead of sitting at home, they can be here working on missing homework or class assignments.”

  “I’m going to bring in my director. I think Maxie should hear this,” Cherise told Ransom.

  Eula Mae opened the front door and stepped aside to let Steven and Cherise enter the house. “Well, isn’t this a surprise, Cherise. I didn’t know you were coming with Stevie.”

  She wrapped her arms around the petite woman. “Hi, Aunt Eula. I’m sorry I haven’t called you back, but it’s been crazy for me at work.”

  Eula Mae waved away Cherise’s words with a slight wave of her hand. “It’s fine. I’m sure you’re very busy, with your new promotion and all.”

  “Well, when Steven mentioned he was coming by tonight for a visit, I wanted to come, too. I hope you don’t mind?”

  “Shucks, no,” Eula Mae said. “I’m glad you came. Stevie’s parents are away at a conference, so it’s just me and Jerome here at the house. I was just about to fix dinner—you go on over there and sit with Stevie. I hope you two will stay for dinner.”

  Smiling, Cherise nodded.
“On one condition—you let me help you cook.”

  Eula Mae smiled in return. “Sure. Just follow me.”

  Pulling her close, Steven whispered, “I never thought I could love you any more than I do now.”

  “I hope that you’ll always remember this feeling when we are at odds with each other.”

  In the kitchen, Eula Mae said, “I’m thrilled Stevie has a woman like you in his life. You’re good for him.”

  “He’s good for me, Aunt Eula Mae,” Cherise responded. “No one has ever made me feel so loved—outside of my family, that is.”

  “He is right about one thing,” Eula Mae said, pulling the chicken out of the oven. “There’s something very special about you. I’m not normally the type of person to just take to people, but I’ve grown to care for you, Cherise. My daughter didn’t live, but if she had, I’d want her to be like you.”

  “Thank you for saying that,” Cherise said softly.

  “I mean it, sugar.”

  Dinner was ready twenty minutes later.

  Jerome joined them just as they sat down at the table. He had been on a conference call.

  When Steven blessed the food, Cherise sent up a quick prayer of her own. She was so thankful to be surrounded by so many loving people. After all the sadness in her youth, Cherise was grateful for the life she had now.

  They discussed wedding plans while they ate.

  “Well, I think a Mediterranean-themed wedding is nice,” Eula Mae said. “I’ve never been to one like that, so I’m excited.”

  Steven reached over and grabbed Cherise’s hand. “We are, too,” he responded. “There was a time I wondered if I’d ever get married, but now I realize that I was just waiting on this beautiful woman to come into my life.”

  They left his parents’ house shortly after nine.

  Back at home, Cherise and Steven decided to end the evening in the Jacuzzi. “This water feels so good,” Steven announced.

  Staring up into the moonlit night, she agreed, “Mmm, you’re right. I love evenings like this.” She loved being out here like this, letting the moon kiss her body while the stars twinkled like golden eyes looking down upon her.

  The brilliant moonlight played on Steven’s muscular form, giving him a resemblance to an African god, Cherise thought, feeling her body tremble as though afire even in the depths of the cool water.

  Treading water, Steven moved closer to her. The silken feel of the liquid surrounding them cast an erotic spell about the pair.

  Staring up into the sky, Cherise stated, “I think I can see my star. Look…it—it’s so beautiful.” When she looked over at him, she found him watching her, a grin plastered on his face.

  “Why are you staring at me like that?”

  “You’re beautiful.”

  “Steven, you always say the right things to me at the right time.” She swam closer to him, giggling.

  “Do you think your neighbors have any idea what we’re about to do in the pool?”

  Grinning, she shrugged. “I don’t think so. The patio is enclosed—they would practically have to sit on their roof to see anything that goes on in here.” He reached out to untie the strings of her top.

  With his help, she was soon completely naked, and so was he.

  Tracing the perfectly shaped star on her shoulder, he murmured, “You know I really love your birthmark. It’s very sexy.”

  Cherise laughed. “Really?”

  “I think so. That’s what prompted me to buy you a star.” He stared into her eyes. “I love you so much.”

  “I know I’ve told you this before, but I really mean it, Steven. You are my reason for being. All the hurt I’ve experienced in my life doesn’t even come close to the happiness I’ve known with you these last few months.”

  Dipping his head downward, Steven kissed her. “All I want is to make you happy. I’ve never known a woman like you. I’m so proud that you allowed me into your life.” He placed her hand to his bare chest. “Can you feel my heart beating?”

  Cherise nodded.

  “Honey, it beats for you and you only.”

  She pulled him close to her. “Steven, I want you. I need you to make love to me. Right now,” she pleaded softly. “Love me…”

  Chapter 16

  Instead of going to Riverside for the Ransom clan dinner on Sunday, Steven and Cherise decided to drive to Santa Monica and walk along the pier. They had just spent Memorial Day with them, so they decided to be selfish with their time.

  “This is a nice way to spend a Sunday night,” Cherise murmured. “Walking along the pier beneath the stars and enjoying the smell of the ocean.”

  “I’m enjoying this myself.” Wrapping both arms around her, Steven said in a low voice, “All day long, I thought about doing this. Just holding you in my arms with nothing but the ocean in front of us. That great expanse of water going on and on. My love for you is like that.”

  Cherise smiled in her happiness. “You are such a romantic, Steven. That’s one of the things I love about you.”

  His gaze met hers. “You deserve to be happy, baby. I’m going to spend my life making you happy.”

  “I plan to do the same for you. I’ve never felt as loved as I have with you. I wish there were more men like you.”

  “I had good role models. I grew up watching my father spoil my mother. They have been married all these years and they still act like newlyweds. Then there’s Uncle Jerome and Aunt Eula Mae. I’ve never seen any two people who seem so in love.”

  “They are a very loving couple,” Cherise acknowledged. “I’ve noticed the way your father watches your mother. He gets this little lusty glint in his eyes.” She burst into laughter. “And they’re so kissy-kissy.”

  Steven joined in the laughter. “So are we.”

  “I know but…”

  “But what? You think just because they’re in their fifties, the passion has gone from their marriage? Well, it hasn’t.”

  Her arms folded across her chest, she asked, “And just how do you know this?”

  “Because I popped over there one day and they were…er, busy.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “Really? Oh my God, what did you do?”

  “What could I do? I left as quietly and as quickly as I could.”

  “Wow.”

  “What? You think it’s weird or something that they still make love?”

  “No. I think it’s wonderful. In fact, it gives me hope. Hopefully, you take after your father.”

  Steven kissed her. “You don’t have to worry about us, sweetheart. As long as I’m able to breathe, I’ll always want you.”

  She pinched him playfully. “You’d better.”

  Steven pulled his jacket together. “It’s getting a little chilly. Let’s head back to the car.”

  As they walked, Cherise clutched his hand.

  “I’m really glad you and my aunt are getting along.”

  She chuckled. “Yeah, I guess it makes things easier for you.”

  “She’s always been there for me, Cherise. And the one time she needed me, I wasn’t there.”

  “What are you talking about?” Cherise asked.

  His expression suddenly changed to one of hatred. “Some gangbangers broke into her house and attacked her one night. They were living in Phoenix at the time.”

  Cherise started to tremble. A wave of dizziness swept through her. “H-how long ago did this happen?”

  “I think it’s been ten years now.”

  She pulled away and suddenly stopped walking.

  Without looking at him, she said, “Steven, you sound so angry, so filled with hate.” Cherise had never seem him this way.

  He nodded. “When it comes to that, I am. They nearly killed her. She was hit in the head with a bat.”

  She turned away from him, fighting back her tears and filled with a strong sense of dread. Cherise searched her memory, focused on an incident that had happened ten years ago.

  Was it possible? Could it be?

&n
bsp; If so, then she and Steven would never have a future together.

  A sob tumbled out of her mouth and Cherise took off running off the pier and down the sandy beach toward the water.

  She could hear Steven calling her, running behind her. Crying hysterically, she sank to her knees in the sand.

  He caught up with her. “Honey, what’s going on with you?”

  “I…oh, God, S-Steven…” She couldn’t bring herself to continue. “I feel so complete when you’re next to me. I’ve waited all my life for someone like you. You and your heart of gold. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.” Cherise wiped at her tears. “But the truth is that I d-don’t deserve you.”

  Laying her head on his chest, she started to cry again.

  “Hey, all my life I’ve waited for someone like you, baby,” Steven assured her. “We’re going to be fine. I wish you wouldn’t get yourself so upset.” He lifted her chin with his hand. “I love you—you, Cherise. We’re going to spend the rest of our lives together.”

  “But there are some things that you don’t know about me—”

  “I know everything I need to know about you. You have a good heart. You’re honest and generous to a fault.” She stiffened.

  “I need to tell you something,” she began.

  Steven shook his head. “Honey, whatever happened in the past is just that—the past. All we need to do is look toward our future together as man and wife.”

  Cherise sniffed. “But will you always love me even when I mess up?”

  He kissed her forehead. “I’ll never stop loving you, no matter what. That’s my promise to you, Cherise.”

  She prayed he was telling the truth.

  Cherise did not sleep a wink that night.

  Ten years ago, she went along with Tina, Joyce and their boyfriends to a house in Phoenix with the intent of breaking in. Cherise didn’t really want to go, but Tina had told her that this was a test to see if she really belonged in their clique.

  They broke into what they had assumed was an empty house. But once they were inside, they encountered a pregnant woman wielding a baseball bat. She swung out at them, striking Tina’s boyfriend.

  He managed to take the bat from her and hit her with it, knocking her unconscious.